Drug dispensing apparatus

ABSTRACT

The present invention provides for a drug dispensing device which is portable, provides a high level of security, is flexible in accommodating a number of user selected drugs, is easily stockable, and reduces labor and time requirement for drug dispensing. The present invention provides an apparatus having a microprocessor means which controls the drug dispensing. The apparatus includes an interior medication storage area adapted to receive a plurality of different sized dispensers in user selectable combinations. A receiving drawer is provided below the interior medication storage area to receive and dispense the medications. 
     A dispenser is provided which can be configured in a multiplicity of sizes and shapes to accommodate different sized medications. The dispenser is adapted to receive a cooperating cartridge which contains the medications. The dispenser includes an actuator which contacts and dispenses the medications from the cartridge.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to automatic vending systems and, moreparticularly, to automatic controlled drug dispensing apparatus.

BACKGROUND ART

The delivery of controlled substances to patients in a hospital or othermedical care environment has long been the subject of attempts atimprovement. Initially, the controlled substances were shipped tomedical facilities packaged in containers, such as bottles, jars, andthe like. These containers were stored at a central pharmacy location.When a doctor required administration of a dose of a controlledsubstance to a patient, a prescription was written and a nurse wasresponsible for obtaining the dosage from the pharmacy and administeringit to the patient.

In order to effectuate proper inventory control as well as improvesecurity with regard to the controlled substance, the pharmacy wasrequired to manually log the identity of the nurse receiving themedication, the type of medication dispensed, the amount of medicationdispensed, the time of release of the medication, and other informationnecessary for proper inventory control. The nurse was also required tomanually record the medication received, the amount of medicationdelivered, the patient to whom the medication was delivered, and thetime the patient received the medication. Furthermore, if the controlledsubstance was subsequently delivered to the patient after the originalnurse's shift was over, the additional nurse would be required tomanually record the same type of information regarding her handling ofthe medication. Thus, it is seen that the administration of a controlledsubstance to a patient is both labor and time intensive as a commitmentof a number of individuals as well as the time involved in manuallyrecording the information regarding the distribution of the medicationis required.

More recently, the containers of drugs have been remotely located withinthe medical facility at stations closer to the patients receiving themedication. In this system, while the pharmacy releases the containersof medicine to the various nurse substation, the inventory informationis still required to be recorded. The containers of medicine are thenstored behind locked cabinets at each nurse substation with the nursesretrieving the drug from the locked cabinet and administering the drugsto the patients. Of course, the nurses are still required to record thedetailed information regarding the types of medication, the amount ofmedication, the time of administering medication, and other informationregarding the administration of the medicine.

While this system of administration more quickly brings the controlledsubstance to the patient, it suffers from the same drawbacks of theprevious system of being labor and time intensive as well as theadditional drawback of reducing the security of the controlledsubstances while they are at the remote locations.

In an effort to improve these systems, various devices have beendesigned for distributing unit dose medication from an apparatus. Whilethese various apparatus are an improvement over the manual systemspreviously discussed, such systems are exceedingly large, thereforerequiring use in a centralized dedicated location, require use ofpharmacy resources and time to properly load and inventory machines, andare dedicated to specific forms of drug to be dispensed. What is thusneeded, is a relatively portable drug dispensing apparatus whichprovides a high level of security for the drugs being dispensed, issufficiently flexible to all distribution of drugs of varying dosageformats, is easily reloaded with new drug, and reduces the labor andtime drawbacks of the prior art. The present invention fulfills theserequirements.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

The present invention provides for a drug dispensing device which isportable, provides a high level of security, is flexible inaccommodating a number of user selected drugs, is easily stockable, andreduces labor and time requirements for drug dispensing. The presentinvention provides an apparatus having a microprocessing means whichcontrols the drug dispensing. The apparatus includes an interiormedication storage area adapted to receive a plurality of differentsized dispensers in user selectable combinations. A receiving drawer isprovided below the interior medication storage area to receive anddispense the medications.

A dispenser is provided which can be configured in a multiplicity ofsizes and shapes to accommodate different sized medications. Thedispenser is adapted to receive a cooperating cartridge which containsthe medications. The dispenser includes an actuator which contacts anddispenses the medications from the cartridge.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a device made in accordance with theprinciples of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a partially cut-away overhead view of the device of FIG. 1taken along the line II--II in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an elevational front view of a dispenser made in accordancewith the principles of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a cut-away view taken along the line IV--IV of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is an elevational front view of a cartridge made in accordancewith the principles of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a cut-away, elevational side view of the cartridge of FIG. 5taken along the line VI--VI in FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a bottom view of the cartridge of FIG. 5;

FIG. 8 is a detailed side elevational view of the retainer of FIG. 5;

FIG. 9 is a cut-away side view of the retainer of FIG. 8 taken along theline IX--IX of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a cross sectional cut-away view similar to FIG. 4 showing thecartridge of FIGS. 5, 6 and 7 in the dispenser of FIGS. 3 and 4;

FIG. 11 is a partially cut-away overhead view similar to FIG. 2 showingthe cartridge of FIG. 5, 6 and 7 the dispenser of FIGS. 3 and 4 in theapparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 12 is a flow diagram showing the preferred method of dispensing inaccordance with the principles of the present invention,

FIG. 13 is a front view of the apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 14 is a side view of the apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 15, FIG. 16 and FIG. 17 are a side view, a plane view and acut-away view of the dispenser making one body together with thecartridge, respectively;

FIG. 18 is a partially cut-away perspective view of an actuator; and

FIG. 19 is a block diagram of a control unit.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Referring to FIG. 1, a drug dispensing device made in accordance withthe principles of the present invention is designated generally by FIG.10. The drug dispensing device 10 includes housing 12 employing agenerally rectangular box shape. The drug dispensing device 10 includesa front 14 and a rear 16, two sides 18, 20, and a top 22 and bottom 24.The drug dispensing device 10 is contained in a small area with thepresently preferred embodiment being approximately 30 inches (76.2 cm)wide, 20 inches (50.8 cm) tall and 20 inches (50.8 cm) deep. Thus, thepresently preferred device 10 can readily be placed on a countertop atremote substations. Additionally, the device 10 can also be placed on adedicated stand or wall mounted if counter space is not available. Itwill be seen that all of the advantageous features described herein canbe contained in a device 10 employing these dimensions.

The front 14 of the device 10 contains a locked dispensing drawer 29which provides access to the dispensed medicines. When access isallowed, as explained in detail below, a locking latch mechanismreleases and the drawer 28 can be pulled into the open position. Thedrawer 28 can be controlled manually or automatically in the movement.An example of the automatic control is shown in FIGS. 13 and 14. Asshown in the Figures, the drawer 28 is fixed above the two belts 213 andautomatically slides a designated amount in and out of the device 10.The drive unit for the drawer 28 is comprised of the motor 214 whichoperates as a result of signals issued from the microprocessing means 26described later, the roller 215 which rotates on the motor shaft, thepressure roller 217 which is pressed by shaft 216 against the roller215, two drive rollers 218 which are fixed to the two ends of theaforementioned shaft 216 and which revolve together with the pressureroller 217, two idling rollers 219 installed opposite to the two driverollers 218, and the two belts 213 which are stretched between the twodrive rollers 218 and the two idling rollers 219. The drawer 28 can movetogether with the two belts 213 on which it is fixed. The drawer 28 isformed in the dimension which corresponds to two files of the dispenser60 described later in width and three ranks of the dispenser 60 indepth, i.e. in the dimension less than a half of the plane area of thedevice 10.

When the user designates a type and quantity of desired medications intothe later-described input unit 248 of the control device 300, the saidmedications drop from their cartridges 90 into the drawer 28 as follows:Based on the information provided to the input unit 248 of the controldevice 300, the drawer 28 automatically moves forward or back thedistance required to locate it underneath the dispenser 60 containingthe designated medications. In this way, the drawer 28 can beconstructed compactly while still servicing all of the dispenser 60,reducing the amount of space required for the drawer 28 to protrude fromthe device 10 and serving to reduce the overall space required for thedevice. Further, a slanted guide plate 220 is fitted to the rear of thedrawer 28 in order to cause medications dropped from the cartridges 90to be located toward the front of the drawer 28, thus facilitatingremoval of the medications from the drawer 28.

A user interface screen 30 which is in communication withmicroprocessing means 26 (shown in phantom in FIG. 2) and which employstouch sensitive features known in the art is further provided as theinput unit 248 on the front 14 of the device 10 to allow the user tocommunicate with the microprocessing means 26. The microprocessing means26 can preferably be a type XT, AT or PS/2 Personal Computermanufactured by IBM Corporation, Boca Raton, Fla. 33429. A card reader32 known in the art is further provided having a slot 34 into which amagnetic user the identification card is inserted or "swiped" to gainaccess to the microprocessing means 26 programs. A suitable card reader32 can preferably be a MP2A manufactured by Tokyo Tatsuo Corporation,Tokyo, Japan.

Floppy disc unit 301 which memorizes the driving system of the device isfurther provided.

Thus, to initiate use of the device 10, a designated individual havingaccess is assigned a magnetic, optical or integrated circuitidentification card and a personal identification number (PIN). When theuser desires to dispense medication, for example, the user initiatesdispensing by inserting an identification card into the card reader 32,upon which the microprocessing means 26 of the present device 10requests the user to input a personal identification number (PIN). Theuser's personal identification number (PIN) is then inserted into themicroprocessing means 26 via the user interfaced touch screen 30 and, ifthe personal identification number (PIN) and the identification card area match, the dispensing can proceed as will be described in more detailbelow. Alternatively, a finger print or retina scan device can beutilized particularly when extremely sensitive drugs are stored in thedevice 10.

The front of the device 10 further contains a rejection port 302 foroutput of a print.

One side 20 of the device 10 is provided as a door 38 which is hingedlysecured to the housing 12 and includes a locking latch mechanism tosecure the door 38 in the closed position. Thus, an individual such as apharmacist or mechanic who is allowed access to the interior of thedevice 10 is identified through an identification card and personalidentification number (PIN), the door 38 can be opened through userinterface with the touch screen 30 and microprocessing means 26 to gainaccess to the interior of the device 10 for servicing or return drugremoval.

The top 22 of the device 10 is provided with a medication access door40. The medication access door 40 is hingedly secured to the housing andincludes a locking latch mechanism to control access. Once again, when auser such as a pharmacist designated to stock and configure the device10 is identified through an identification card and personalidentification number (PIN), the locking mechanism releases and accessto the interior of the device 10 can be gained.

The top 22 further includes a first auxiliary door 42 which allowsaccess to an interior storage compartment when the user desires toreturn medication. The first auxiliary door 42 is secured by a lockedlatch mechanism. The first auxiliary door 42 can be opened in responseto a request by a user to returned unused drug. When the user has loggedthe drug being returned from the input unit 248, the locked latchmechanism releases the first auxiliary door 42, which can then beopened, the drug is inserted, and the user then closes the firstauxiliary door 42 into a secured latched engagement. Because of thestorage of returned drugs, the first auxiliary door 42 can preferredlyinclude a secured double walled configuration such as a trap doorleading to a second service storage area which prevents subsequentaccess to the previously returned drugs. An example of the constructionof the first auxiliary door 42 is shown in FIG. 13, the first auxiliarydoor 42 has a fall-away lower floor plate 222 which is hinged at itsfront edge. When the door is in the extended (open) position, the floorplate serves as normal bottom to the door, but when the door is in theretracted (closed) position, the floor plate 222 drops downward at hingeas shown at the two-dot chain line in FIG. 13, thus operating as avertical trap door. A receptacle 223 is provided beneath the firstauxiliary door 42.

Further provided on the top 22 of the device 10 is a second auxiliarydoor 44 which allows access to a universal compartment of size andconfiguration sufficient to allow storage of oddly sized medicationswhich do not fit into a dispenser 60 and cartridge 90 of the presentdevice 10. Once again, the second auxiliary door 44 is secured by alocked latch mechanism and access to the universal compartment isachieved by a user requesting dispensing of a medication previouslyidentified the microprocessing means 26 as found in the universalcompartment.

Referring now to FIG. 2, a cut-away top view of the device 10 is seenshowing the medication storage area. In this view, the medicationstorage area contains neither dispensers 60 nor cartridges 90 needed toactuate dispensing of the medications.

A printed circuit board 50 is provided which defines two apertures 52,54 sized to allow free fall to the secured dispensing drawer 28. Thedispensing drawing 28 is provided with padding on the interior surfaceto gently break the free fall of drug containers.

Further provided in the printed circuit board 50 are a plurality offemale electrical connectors 56 which can be an 8 circuit type locatedat standard intervals on the circuit board 50 about the perimeter of thedefined apertures 52, 54. The female electrical connectors 56 areelectronically connected with the microprocessing means 26 as well as anelectrical power source (not shown) to provide both electrical power tothe device 10 as well as electrical communication with themicroprocessing means 26.

Additionally, while the female electrical connectors 56 are standardspaced to accommodate the smallest sized dispensers 60, a plurality ofdifferently sized dispensers 60 are provided adapted to be mated withthe female electrical connectors 56, as will be described in detailbelow. Thus, a user can select from a variety of sized dispensers 60 todispense medication in accordance with the specific needs of the usersof the device 10.

Referring now to FIGS. 3 and 4, a preferred embodiment of the dispenser60 made to be inserted into the medication storage area is seen. Thedispenser 60 includes dispenser housing 62 defining an interior space 64sized to receive a cartridge 90 as will be described in detail below. Anoptical sensor 66 is provided on the dispenser housing 62 to monitor thedispensing of the medication.

A solenoid 68 (which may be substituted by a motor) is provided on theexterior of the dispenser housing 62. Solenoid 68 includes areciprocating piston 70 which is operatively connected to rotatinglinkage 72 which is contained on a pivot rod 74. The pivot rod 74 isrotatably journaled in the dispenser housing 62. Upon actuation, thesolenoid piston 70 is retracted by the solenoid 68 whereupon therotating linkage 72 causes rotation of pivot rod 74.

Contained offset from the bottom of the dispenser 60 is a surroundingsupport lip 76 which rests against the printed circuit board 50 tosupport the dispenser 60. Contained on the support lip 76 and extendingdownward from the support lip 76 is a male electrical connector 78 whichcan be 8-pin quick connect type which can be cooperatively connected tothe female electrical connector contained in the printed circuit board50. The male electrical connector 78 is electronically connected withthe solenoid 68 and the optical sensor 66. Thus, as previously seen,when an electrical connection is made, power is supplied to the solenoid68 and the optical sensor 66 and electronic communication is establishedbetween the solenoid 68, optical sensor 66 and the microprocessing means26.

Referring now to FIG. 4, an elevated cut-away view of the dispenser 60is seen. Pivot rod 74 is secured to a generally L-shaped, steppedactuator arm 82. The generally L-shaped, stepped actuator arm 82 extendsdownwardly from the pivot rod 74 with a stepped portion 84 beingcontained near the bottom of the dispenser 60.

Concretely, as shown in FIG. 18, the stopper 241 of an ejector 239 isengaged to the cutaway 240 in the stepped portion 84, the ejector 239which has a portion 242 retaining medication containers 108 is securedto the actuator arm 82.

The bottom of the dispenser 60 includes a dispensing platform 86juxtaposed relative to the interior space 64. The receiving platform 86defines an aperture 88 which extends across the entire width of thedispenser 60 and is offset from the longitudinal axis of the interiorspace 64. The optical sensor 66 is provides located juxtaposed over thedefined aperture 88.

Referring now to FIGS. 5, 6 and 7, a preferred embodiment of thecartridge 90 to be inserted into the dispenser 60 is seen. The cartridge90 is sized to cooperatively slide into the interior space 64 of thedispenser 60. The cartridge 90 includes front 92, back 94 and side walls96, as well as a top 98. On the front 92 of the cartridge 90 extendingupwardly from the open bottom 100, a rectangular cut-out 104 is defined.

Thus, the cartridge 90 defines an enclosed interior storage area 102having an open bottom 100. Defined on the interior surface of the front92 and back 94 wall are a plurality of inwardly projecting ribs 106. Theinwardly projecting ribs 106 are oriented on a horizontal arrangement tohelp orient the falling medication containers which are stored anddispensed from the cartridges explained in detail below.

In another embodiment, a dispenser and a cartridge may be formed in onebody. For example, as shown in FIG. 17, the dispenser 60 itself servesfor a cartridge. In this case, ribs 106 is provided with the two side304, 305 of the dispenser 60.

Contained in the interior storage space 102 are a plurality of stackedmedication containers 108. While the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 5, 6and 7 contain syringes or vials, it will be appreciated that variousmedication containers such as for example, oral solids, ampules, liquidcups, and the like, can readily be contained in dedicated cartridges 90by altering the proportions of the cartridge 90 and dispenser 60.

In transportation, storage and loading, the medication containers 108are prevented from falling out the open bottom 100 by means of aretaining member 110. The retaining member 110 defines an upper andlower periphery and is generally an inverted T-shape with an expandedwidth area 112 found at the lower periphery. The expanded width area 112corresponds in size to the rectangular cut-out 104 defined on the front92 of the cartridge 90.

Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, the retaining member 110 is seen in detail.The expanded width area 112 includes at its lower periphery an L-shapedportion 114 which extends into the rectangular cut-out 104. Thus, themedication containers 108 abut against the L-shaped portion 114 whichacts to contain the medication containers 108 within the interiorstorage area 102.

The upper periphery of the retaining member 110 includes an outwardlyextending flange 118 to enable the user to grip and pull the retainingmember 110. The retaining member 110 is secured to the front 92 of thecartridge 90 by adhesives 120, 122, 123 securing the retaining member110 near its upper and lower periphery.

A wire 124 is further provided extending through the adhesive 120located near the upper periphery of the retaining member 110 and througha pair of apertures 126,128 defined in both the front 92 and back 94 ofthe cartridge 90. Retaining member 110 is utilized to indicatetampering. Thus, prior to loading the medication containers 108 into thedispenser 60, the user must disengage the wire 124 thus providingevidence of use. In addition, as best seen in FIG. 6, the wire 124extends directly over the medication containers 108 stored in theinterior storage space 102. Thus, the wire 124 additionally maintainsthe medication containers 108 within the interior space 102 to preventdamage during transportation and storage.

The cartridge 90 can preferably be made from a rigid metal such asaluminum. The retaining member 110 can preferably be made of asemi-rigid thin material such as spring steel which is sufficientlyrigid to prevent access to the medication containers 108. While thecartridge 90 can be filled by a pharmacist at the hospital or othermedical facility, the cartridge 90 is preferably filled in an automatedprocess at a centralized location for distribution pre-filled to users.

Referring now to FIG. 10, an elevational cross sectional view similar tothat seen in FIG. 4 in which a cartridge 90 has been inserted into adispenser 60 is seen. Upon insertion of the cartridge 90, the usergrasps the flange 118 and pulls the retaining member 110 to allow freefall of the medication containers 108 to the dispensing platform 86.Upon actuation of the solenoid 68 and resultant pivot of the pivot rod74, the stepped actuator arm 82 rotates counter-clockwise with thestepped portion 84 contacting the medication container 108 resting onthe dispensing platform 86 and urging the medication container 108towards the aperture 88. Concretely, those movements are shown by arrowsin FIGS. 15 and 17. When the medication container 108 is urged to aposition over the aperture 88, gravity induces it to fall, which passageis sensed by the juxtaposed sensor 66 and relayed to the microprocessingmeans 26.

When the medication container 108 is urged from the dispensing platform86, gravity pulls the remaining medication containers 108 toward thedispensing platform 86. While the stepped actuator arm 82 is maintainedby the solenoid 86 in a counter-clockwise position, the remainingmedication containers 108 fall against a generally horizontal portion ofthe stepped portion 84 of the stepped actuator arm 82 which preventsadditional medication containers 108 from dispensing. Upon rotation ofthe stepped actuator arm 82 in a clockwise direction to its originalposition, the medication containers 108 free fall and rest against thedispensing platform 86 in position for the next dispensing. Thedispensed medication container 108 free falls past the respectivedefined apertures 52, 54 in the printed circuit board 50 into the drawer28 for access by the user.

Referring to FIG. 11, an overhead view of device 10 having dispensers 60and cartridges 90 within the medication storage area is seen. Bystandardizing the female electrical connectors 56 on the printed circuitboard 50 and the male electrical connectors 78 on a variety of differentsized dispensers 60 and cartridges 90, a plurality of different sizedmedication containers 108 can be user selected. For example, a standardsmall size can be utilized for 2. cc ampules. An enlarged small size canbe utilized for larger 10. cc ampules.

Additionally, if smaller medication containers 108 are utilized such as,for example, 2 ml vials, dual dispensers 132 can be utilized having twosolenoids 68, two optical sensors 66, two interior spaces 102 defined toreceive two cartridges 90, etc., and two male electrical connectors 78to mate with two cooperating female electrical connectors 56. Finally,if cup-form medication dispensers are desired, for oral liquidmedications, for example, a tri-dispenser 134 can be utilized havingthree solenoids 68, three optical sensors 66, three interior spaces 102defined to receive three cartridges 90, etc., and three male electricalconnectors 78 to mate with three female electrical connectors 56.

Thus, the user can select any desired combination to dispense a vastvariety of different type medication container 108 and thus medications.Once the desired combination is determined, a pharmacist or mechanic caninput which female electrical connector 56 is dedicated to control thedispensing along with additional inventory information into themicroprocessing means 26.

Next we will describe the control unit 300. As indicated in FIG. 19, thecontrol unit 300 is composed of the identification unit 247, which usespasswords, IC cards or similar means to allow individual identificationof users; the input unit 248, which is used to input the type and numberof medications to be dispensed from the device 10; the memory unit 249,which records data input to the input unit 248; the display unit 250which displays data input to the input unit 248, data recorded in thememory unit 249, and feedback information from the device 10; and themicroprocessing means 26, which uses information designated in the inputunit 248 to provide drive control for the automatic dispensing of thedesired type and number of medications from the device 10, as well ascontrol operation of the drawer 28 and the locks. For example, while theuse of a card reader employing an IC card or magnetic card has beendescribed in the identification section 247, it should be clear thatother kinds of identification methods, including passwords,fingerprints, voice identification, hand prints (three-dimensional),signs and other such methods can also be used, in any case so as to makeit impossible for unauthorized personnel to operate the automaticdispenser for injectable medications.

Also, which the identification section 247, input section 248 anddisplay section 250 can make use of a commercially available personalcomputer or other like device, other devices specially designed for thepurpose may also be incorporated into the device 10.

Referring now to FIG. 12, a preferred embodiment of the method ofoperation is depicted. The present system is designed for either standalone use or networked with a host computing means in a central locationsuch as a pharmacy. In the event the unit is networked, data such aspatient profiles, stock levels, and the like can provided by the hostcomputing means to the units.

To operate the device, initially the user inserts a magneticidentification card which is read or "swiped" by the card reader. Theuser interface screen then asks for the user's personal identificationnumber (PIN). If the user inserted personal identification number (PIN)matches the card read, access is allowed and a menu is displayed.

In the presently preferred embodiment, seven routines, includingDispense, Reconfigure, Restock, Return, Order, Maintenance and Exit areprovided. The microprocessing means will allow access to the differentroutines in accordance with preprogrammed user level of access. Forexample, a nurse may be preprogrammed to have access to the Dispense,Order, Return and Exit routines, but not the Reconfiguration or Restockroutines, A pharmacist may have access to the Restock, Reorder, and Exitroutines, but not the Dispense, Reconfigure or Return routines. Aservice person such as a hospital biomedical engineer may have access tothe Reconfigure, Maintenance and Exit routines, but not the Dispense,Order, Restock or Return routines. Access can be preprogrammed inaccordance with hospital policy.

If the properly identified user desires access to the Dispense routine,the user selects from the menu on the touch screen the Dispense routine.The user interface screen then asks for and the user identifiesinventory control information such as the type of drug, patientinformation, and any other inventory controls. Additional data such astime from a clock means in the microprocessing means can also be added.

After the inventory controls are inputted, the microprocessing meansactivates the appropriate solenoid via the female electrical connectorto dispense the selected drug. Alternatively, if the selected drug iscontained in the universal compartment, the locking latch mechanism isreleased to allow user access.

After the appropriate solenoid has been activated and the medicationcontainer has fallen into the dispensing drawer, the locking latchmechanism which closes the dispensing drawer is released which allowsthe dispensing drawer to be opened. The user can then withdraw thedispensed medication container.

Following withdrawal of the dispense medication container, the usermanually closes the dispensing drawer. The locking latch mechanismsecures the drawer and communicates to the microprocessing means thatthe drawer has been closed. Alternatively, if the universal compartmenthas been utilized, the user closes the universal compartment door withthat locking latch member indicating to the microprocessing means thatthe door has been closed.

The transaction is then recorded in random access memory (RAM) in themicroprocessing means for inventory control purposes. In an alternativepreferred embodiment, the microprocessing means can be interfaced with adedicated printer to provide a physical printout of the transaction inaddition to the electronic storage. After recording of the transaction,the microprocessing means returns the user interface screen to theselection menu where the user can continue to execute an additionalroutine or select the Exit routine.

If the user selects the Reconfigure routine, the microprocessing meansdetermines whether the user is authorized to continue on that routine.If the user is authorized, the microprocessing means will unlatch thelocking latch mechanism on the top door which allows the user to openthe door and gain access to the medication storage area. The user theninputs the new dispenser location into the microprocessing means via thetouch screen. After inputting the identification of the new dispenser,the user then physically reconfigures the new dispensers. After the newdispensers have been configured, the user then inputs the type ofmedication to be dispensed at each location. The user then closes thetop door and the locking latch mechanism communicates to themicroprocessing means to record the reconfigured transaction. Themicroprocessing means then returns the touch screen to the original menuwhere an additional routine can be selected.

If the user selects the Restock routine, the microprocessing means firstdetermines whether the user has access to that routine. If the user doeshave access to that routine, the locking latch mechanism on the top dooris unlatched while the locking latch mechanism on the universal storagecompartment on the door is simultaneously-unlatched. The user then gainsaccess to the drug storage or the universal storage compartment andinserts a full drug cartridge into the appropriate dispensers or addsthe dedicated medication to the universal storage compartment. After theuniversal storage compartment door and the top door have been closed,the transaction is recorded and the microprocessing means returns theinterface screen to the original menu.

If the user selects the Return routine, the user interface screenrequests appropriate inventory control information such as, for example,the medication, the patient, and the reason for return. Once again,additional information such as time can be inputted. After the inventorycontrol information has been input into the microprocessing means, themicroprocessing means unlatches the locking latch mechanism on thereturn compartment, therefore allowing the user access. After the userhas returned the drug into the return compartment, the closing of thereturn door signals to the microprocessing means that the return iscomplete. The transaction is then recorded and the screen is returned tothe original menu.

If the user selects the maintenance routine, the side door is unlocked.This allows access to the return compartment as well as servicing. Aftermaintenance is completed, the user closes the side door and the screenis returned to the original menu.

A drug order routine can also be provided. The drug order routine canautomatically track the inventory of drugs. In the event of a standalone unit, the individual station can generate a report of the use at adedicated printer. In the event that the units are networked to a hostcomputing means in a central location, such as a pharmacy, a report canbe generated at that location. In an alternative embodiment, the systemcan be designed to automatically signal when a drug quantity reaches apredetermined low level. Of course, if the Exit routine is selected, themicroprocessing means and user interface screen return to the originaldisplay.

It should be understood that various changes and modifications to thepreferred embodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilledin the art. Such changes and modifications can be made without departingfrom the spirit and scope of the present invention and withoutdiminishing its attendant advantages. It is, therefore, intended thatsuch changes and modifications be covered by the appended claims.

We claim:
 1. A drug dispensing apparatus comprising:microprocessing means; a housing defining an interior medication storage area, the interior medication storage area including means for receiving a plurality of different sized dispensers in multiple orientations, the receiving means further including means for establishing electrical communication between the dispensers and the microprocessing means; and a receiving drawer oriented below the interior medication storage area to receive medication vertically falling from the dispensers, and to dispense the medication through an open position of said receiving drawer, said receiving drawer having a width substantially equal to a width of said plurality of dispensers and having a depth less than a depth of said plurality of dispensers.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the receiving means includes a plurality of spaced electrical connectors in electrical communication with the microprocessing means, the electrical connectors being adapted to establish electrical communication with cooperating electrical connectors on the dispensers.
 3. A drug dispensing apparatus comprising:microprocessing means; a housing defining an interior medication storage area, the interior medication storage area including means for receiving a plurality of different sized dispensers in multiple orientations, the receiving means further including means for establishing electrical communication between the dispensers and the microprocessing means; a receiving drawer oriented below the interior medication storage area to receive and dispense medication from the dispensers; wherein the receiving means includes a plurality of spaced electrical connectors in electrical communication with the microprocessing means, the electrical connectors being adapted to establish electrical communication with cooperating electrical connectors on the dispensers; and wherein the electrical connectors are contained on a generally horizontally oriented printed circuit board, the circuit board defining at least one aperture through which dispensed medications fall.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1 further including a touch panel or a keyboard in electrical communication with the microprocessing means.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1 further including user identification means.
 6. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein the identification means is a card reader.
 7. The apparatus of claim 1 further including a storage compartment for drugs, said storage compartment being substantially larger than said dispensers, whereby drugs which do not fit into said dispensers may be stored in said storage compartment.
 8. The apparatus of claim 1 further including a return drug storage compartment whereby a user can return a drug to said return drug storage compartment, said return drug storage compartment being separate from said plurality of dispensers.
 9. An apparatus for dispensing a plurality of sized medication containers, the apparatus comprising:microprocessing means; a housing defining an interior medication storage area, the interior medication storage area adapted to receive a plurality of different sized dispensers, the interior medication storage area further including a plurality of spaced electrical connectors in electrical communication with the microprocessing means and adapted to be cooperatively connected to cooperative electrical connectors contained on the dispensers such that the microprocessing means can electrically communicate with each selected dispenser; and a receiving drawer positioned beneath the interior medication storage area such that dispensed medication containers can fall by gravity into the drawer for dispensing, said receiver drawer having a width substantially equal to a width of said plurality of dispensers and having a depth less than a depth of said plurality of dispensers.
 10. A cartridge containing medication containers for use in a drug dispensing apparatus having a removable dispenser, the dispenser having a gravity fed dispensing platform and an actuator arm for urging the medication containers off the dispensing platform, the cartridge comprising:a container having a front, a back, two sides, a top, an open bottom, and defining an interior, the container being sized to accept the medication containers in the interior; the front of the container having an opening extending upwardly from the open bottom, the front opening being sized to accept a retaining member having a portion extending into the interior of the container to retain the medication containers within the container; and the retaining member further being removably secured to the outside of the container and including a portion extending upwardly from the inwardly extending portion such that the retaining member can be removed from the container by pulling the upwardly extending portion.
 11. The cartridge of claim 10 wherein the retaining member is generally T-shaped with the inwardly extending portion being an enlarged width area.
 12. The cartridge of claim 10 wherein the container and the retaining member define a plurality of apertures through which a wire extends to secure the retaining member to the container.
 13. The cartridge of claim 10 wherein the container is made of metal.
 14. The cartridge of claim 10 wherein the container is made of plastic.
 15. The cartridge of claim 10 wherein the retaining member is made of spring steel
 16. A dispenser for use with a drug dispensing device, the drug dispensing device having a plurality of standardly spaced electrical connectors in electrical communication with a microprocessing means, the dispenser comprising:a housing defining an interior chamber for receiving a cartridge having medication containers therein and further defining a sliding drawer to receive the medication containers and, from an open position, to dispense the medication containers to a user, said sliding drawer having a width substantially equal to a width of said plurality of dispensers and having a depth less than a depth of said plurality of dispensers; the housing further defining a dispensing platform juxtaposed relative to the interior chamber, the dispensing platform defining an aperture offset from the interior chamber; an electronically activated actuator contained in cooperative relationship to the dispensing platform such that medication containers resting on the dispensing platform can be urged to the defined aperture in route to said sliding drawer; and an electrical connector in electronic communication with the actuator and the microprocessing means and adapted to cooperatively secure the electrical connectors in the dispensing device.
 17. The dispenser of claim 16 wherein the actuator includes a solenoid or a motor.
 18. The dispenser of claim 17 wherein the actuator further includes an actuator arm controlled by the solenoid or a motor.
 19. The dispenser of claim 16 further including an optical reader in electronic communication with the electrical connector in electronic communication with the actuator and positioned over the dispensing platform defined aperture.
 20. A drug dispensing apparatus comprising, a housing formed from a box structure with an upper opening and a lid which can be opened and closed over the opening; a plurality of dispensers arranged in order inside the housing; multiple cartridges being accepted in the dispensers and holding disposable injectors, ampules and other injectable medications; a control unit provided with a microprocessing means for controlling the dispensers and the housing, comprised of an identification section utilizing passwords or integrated circuit cards to allow identification of users, an input unit for inputting the type and number of medications to dispensed from the housing, a memory unit for recording data from the input unit, and a dispensing section for automatically dispensing the requested type and number of medications from the housing based on the information designated by the input unit, said dispensing section including a sliding drawer to receive the medications and, from an open position, to dispense the medications to a user said sliding drawer having a width substantially equal to a width of said plurality of dispensers and having a depth less than a depth of said plurality of dispensers. 